Smollett, who portrays Jamal Lyon on Empire, said he was verbally attacked before being physically attacked early Tuesday by two masked men wearing MAGA hats and ski masks in a wealthy, downtown section of Chicago where condos can cost $4 million. Chicago police said the incident was a "possible hate crime," but ABC News later reported that the FBI was now stepping in because of a mailed threat sent to the star eight days ago. Chicago police also added that videotapes are being reviewed for details on the identities of the attackers, who, according to Smollett, put a rope around his neck. Meanwhile, hate crimes have been on the rise for years.

The hashtag #Justice4Jussie began to trend around rush hour in Chicago, just as the Polar Vortex began to descend upon the city. Meanwhile, thousands of people voiced their support for the popular star, who is black and queer, and who also supports a number of social justice-oriented organizations including Sankofa and the Black AIDS Institute. In fact, he donated every dime of his last studio tour to charities around the world.

"I was able to donate almost $150,000 to charity and every single cent from the ticket sales went to others," Smollett told me last year regarding concerts in connection with his album release Sum of my Music. "We were able to donate to the Black Aids Institute, Trayvon Martin Foundation, For Your Rights Camp, Flint Kids, ACLU and the Sky Foundation in South Africa."

Smollett has been vocal in his support of LGBTQ, black and women's rights and fans and friends brought those details forth all day long on social media.

Said Viola Davis via Instagram: "THIS is why the LGBTQ community continue to fight to be seen and PROTECTED against hate!"

I’m deeply horrified and saddened by the racist and homophobic attacks against @JussieSmollett. He is a kind and profoundly talented soul whom I respect with all my heart. The terror of racism and homophobia has no place in our society, it is the most indecent way to live...

Craig Brewer, who has directed some episodes of Empire and will soon direct Eddie Murphy's Coming To America 2 , said this:

Cowards hide in the dark and wear masks. It's people like @JussieSmollett who stand in the light, who defend the oppressed, who speak the truth and sings songs of joy into our souls. @JussieSmollett makes America great, not these hateful fools. I love you, Jussie.

And Chicago rapper Taylor Bennett, brother to Chance the Rapper, posted a picture of Smollett wearing a t-shirt saying "Stand With Bennett" and said the following on Instagram: "As an openly Bi-Sexual African American. I will say you broke the ice in the entertainment industry For all of Us. I STAND WITH YOU."

Taylor Bennett posted support of Smollett on Instagram.Instagram

Adrienne Gibbs is a Chicago-based journalist. Follow her @adriennewrites on FB and Twitter.

I'm a Pulitzer-nominated, independent journalist, and I love reporting on arts and culture. TV, music and movies are my jam. You've seen my byline as a staff reporter at The Boston Globe, The Miami Herald and The Chicago Sun-Times. I'm the former senior editor of Ebony maga...